Plants which masquerade as garden lovelies will be exposed at a Weed Buster display as part of Weed Buster Week.

The display is a cooperative effort of the Sydney Metropolitan CMA, Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust and Parramatta City Council.

When: 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Parramatta Mall
Date: Tuesday and Thursday, 11th and 13th October

It is part of a series of events across the Sydney region entitled, "Grow Me Instead". This is an initiative of the Nursery and Garden Industry NSW & ACT, funded by the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

The series aims to provide practical information on avoiding plants that escape from garden cultivation and become invasive in bushland, discourage native wildlife, and also require lots of water and chemicals to thrive.

Alternative species that you can grow will be on display at the Expo, along with first-hand advice from Natural Resource Experts. A free booklet will be given out which contains colour photos and descriptions of weeds along with their alternatives.

Weeds have a severe impact on our natural environment and agricultural lands. In 1989 it was estimated that weeds cost Australian agriculture $3.3 billion per year in lost production and cost of control. Today, that figure exceeds $4 billion annually.

In addition, Commonwealth, State and local government spend at least $116.4 million each year on monitoring, controlling, managing and researching weeds.

For more information contact Judy Christie on 9895 7753.